CASE 7

Dear EBHF Participant,

Does my hair look normal?

I’ve been told I may have a scarring form of alopecia called lichen planus. I’m waiting to have my biopsy. But my dermatologist also said it could be AGA or TE.

 I have had hair thinning for the last 1.5 years. But I’ve noticed it more so the last 3 months (since seeing my dermatologist). I’m not sure whether this is due to stress because of what I know it could be. I also suffer with burning, redness and tenderness. But it’s not too bad, but bad enough that it’s noticeable. Again, this has only been since seeing my dermatology appointment, which is really strange, which makes me question if the stress is causing it or if I have a common condition. The only other form of ‘inflammation’ I’ve experienced was about a year ago. It was quite bad but was told it’s likely from the cold weather (I was skeptical but didn’t think anything of it). It cleared up within 3-5 weeks.

No other noticeable inflammation from then until now. Now it seems to not be going away… I have to wait 3 months for my biopsy which is too bad, but this is really affecting my mental health and I just want to know what it looks like. The more stress I feel the worse it’s getting, but I don’t know how to get this under control…

My hairline and temples seem the most affected. My middle parting doesn’t look too bad? But I do experience tenderness and redness (but I also experience this at the bottom of my scalp towards my neck, my temples and hairline). I also get these weird bumps at the bottom of my scalp; it doesn’t feel like folliculitis but it’s hard to tell because I can’t see them. Are bumps/sores common in LPP? I also get tiny little bumps around the sides of my hairline, noticeable unless touched/scratched.

I never, ever feel itchiness. If I have LPP it seems to be all over and not in one place. Pictures from 3 months ago to now seems to be different to and I’m noticing single hairs which is freaking me out.

Regardless of medication, vitamins, minoxidil etc. it seems to be getting worse not better. My hair only seemed thin at the sides and temples when I first went to the dermatologist, but now it seems thin everywhere, especially my hairline which is making me self-conscious.

Also my hair is really curly, so I always thought my hair was naturally different to everyone else’s and didn’t think to check my parting, back of scalp etc. before my appointment, so not sure if it’s been like this for a while. it’s hard when my hair doesn’t sit in one place and I have a lot of cowlicks! My hair doesn’t come out in clumps but it’s easy to pull out if I run my hands through it. Variation of hairs I think. I’ve cut it shoulder length and it still comes out a lot when I brush so I know it’s not breakage.

I’m only 25 and feel too young to be dealing with any of this. What does this look like to you? It looks like it’s receding to me but I think it’s simply because its thinned out. Plus I see loads of little blonde hairs. Could i have triggered this because I’m stressed? I just feel like there is a lot going on, and it’s not just in once place.

 I know I’ll know for definite when I have my biopsy but the waiting is unbearable! Any help/opinion whilst I wait would be really appreciated. First picture is what it was like 3 months ago.

MORE DETAILS OF MY CASE

I am female. mid-20s. My scalp never itches. Burning and tenderness is present, but not severe where I can’t brush or sleep. Currently shedding but not clumps, always hairs in my brush even after cutting. On doxycycline for 1 months and steroid shampoo on and off for 3 months. Also taking multivitamins and topical minoxidil. Hair loss is all over but more noticeable around hairline and sides. Hair loss started end of 2021. My hair thickness is different and curls don’t sit the same due to texture change (too soft and thin). Had bloods, low in vitamin D which is being treated (started 2.5 months ago). Have very mild eczema on body, only seems to flare in winter but even then it’s not too noticeable. Face is also sensitive. Nails and other hairs on body not affected that I can’t tell. Have bad eyesight. Recently been told I have blocked tear ducts which is being treated. Always had dry eyes.

CASE 8

Dear EBHF participant,

I am a 46 years old female. I was prescribed topical minoxidil 5% foam and low level laser therapy about 11 months ago. Now, after 11 months l am able to see a significant improvement in my density and I will go tomorrow for my next appointment with the specialist. Everyone says how nice my hair has become!

Here is my worry. I dropped my laser yesterday on the floor and broke it. It’s actually very damaged because it was up high on a shelf. It is no longer working. I want t know if it's worth buying another a new laser or whether now that everything is going so well if perhaps the topical minoxidil alone can just keep everything growing nicely. The laser is a little expensive for me right now as we have other expenses to deal with in the family, so I’d rather not buy a new one if I don’t really need to.

Please assist. Is it possible to continue my nice results with just minoxidil?